#4. Hosting a Web Application in the Cloud: Architecture Basics
Most people say they want to “host a simple web application in the cloud.” But here’s the truth: There is no such thing as a simple production web app . Even the smallest website needs the right combination of compute, storage, networking, and availability design to work reliably. Let’s break down what a “simple web app” actually needs; and how cloud engineers think about architecture before clicking any deploy button. What Is a “Simple Web Application”? At a basic level, a web application usually includes: A frontend (what users see in the browser) A backend (logic and APIs) A database (where data is stored) On paper, it sounds easy. But in real-world cloud hosting, you also need: Networking Security controls Scaling logic Monitoring Availability planning This is where architecture matters more than tools. Compute: Where Your Application Runs Every web app needs compute. This is where: Your backend code runs APIs process requests Busi...